Setting and Characters

Sibiu, Romania. Maksim and Kat survived the showdown with Vladimir's men [Awaken the Dawn]. They're shaken up but safe, and their burgeoning romance— from strangers to friends to so much more— is finally starting to heat up.

Conflict and Development

Or it was heating up until their safe house is discovered by one of Vladimir's operatives. She's the dancer from the club, the same woman dispatched against Kat previously, and she's a bit more than a "former colleague" to Maksim. The development is unsettling, especially for Kat, who begins to question Maksim's past while expressing doubts about their future together. Maksim's plan for a fresh start implodes, and with their cover blown, he and Kat are left with one perilous last resort— head west to Serbia, using the old smuggling routes, and hope they can escape undetected.

New Threats and Challenges

But Vladimir is no longer their only concern. Police, border guards, and CCTV cameras pose new threats, and a dangerous thief lures Maksim and Kat into deadly territory. Can they socially engineer their way out of this situation? Will Kat make it home before Maksim's past catches up with them both?

Series Context and Appeal

Set between the first two books in The Awaken Saga, this interlude novel (Book 1.5 in the series) gives Maksim— the bad boy with a heart of gold— his very first feature. If you enjoy adventures that aren't afraid of romantic detours, you'll be hooked on this intoxicating story.

Call to Action and Awards

Buy First Light of Dawn today and prepare for an exciting European road trip.

Worldwide Praise

Firebird International Awards: Best Action/Adventure – WINNER, Best New Adult – WINNER

Dante Rossetti Awards – Best Young Adult (Long List)